Mannies: NRA may pour money into Blunt campaign

St.Louis Post-Dispatch political reporter Jo Mannies, noting the presence of National Rifle Association lobbyist on the Castle Doctrine Bill signing tour speculates the organization may be preparing to pour big money into the governor's reelection campaign:

The National Rifle Association is already flexing its political power, by making clear that it's happy with Blunt — and may weigh in on his behalf in next year's election.

The NRA's chief lobbyist, Chris W. Cox, accompanied Blunt at bill-signing ceremonies this week for two measures sought by the group. One is the "Castle Doctrine'' bill, which offers legal protections to Missourians who fatally shoot intruders or attackers.

The second bill is the "Hunting Heritage Protection Areas Act,'' which among other things allows hunting in flood plains.

"I can't think of a better early celebration of the Fourth of July than by the signing into law of two important bills that reaffirm freedom," said Cox in a statement.

In the spring, Blunt appeared at the NRA's national convention, held here in St. Louis, and conducted a ceremonial bill-signing.

The NRA's visible support of Blunt could be a not-so-subtle signal to Democrats that the group is planning to pour in lots of money to aid the governor's bid for re-election next year. His Democratic challenger is expected to be Attorney General Jay Nixon.